How AI is Changing the Way We Look at Cybersecurity

As more companies rely on digital systems for improved operations, the more threats they face from cybersecurity. In a rapidly evolving technology landscape, the main battle will be cybersecurity vs. Artificial Intelligence (AI). While AI helps companies to protect their networks, it’s also helping hackers to improve their attacks on information systems.

The rise of AI brings many benefits to the digital era. The use of the term Artificial Intelligence started during a 1956 conference at Dartmouth College. Although scientists were optimistic about the prospect of AI, it required advanced computing machines that only became available decades later. Alan Turing’s test to assess a machine’s intelligence stood for years, but modern AI systems don’t necessarily have to pass the test to demonstrate their intelligence. This is because the Turing Test relies on an external assessment of the machine but doesn’t focus on its autonomous capabilities.

How AI and Cybersecurity is Shaping the Future

Since AI became a viable technology, researchers applied it to various applications in the digital landscape. From automated supply chains and intelligent agents to process automation and predictive analytics, AI is here to stay. Due to the sophisticated nature of modern cyberattacks, it was only a matter of time until developers turned to AI to help protect their networks. Similarly, cybercriminals didn’t wait too long to deploy these Machine Learning (ML) algorithms for financial gain and improve their cyberattack efficiency on networks.

Benefits of AI and ML in Cybersecurity

The primary capability that AI and ML bring to cybersecurity protections is how they can rapidly scan through large datasets to help identify patterns. In the field of cybersecurity, analysts have to study millions of event logs and set up monitoring tools to detect an attempted breach. This requires both reactive and proactive approaches to secure their networks. AI can reduce the burden on network security engineers by reviewing and flagging items of concern without requiring human intervention.

According to a Forbes article, 69% of enterprises think AI will be vital for improving cybersecurity and responding to threats in the future. In many cases, time is the biggest factor in warding off an attack or executing a successful breach. The sooner analysts know about an attempt, the more effective their response can be. AI can monitor the flow of billions of bits of information in a network and detect suspicious patterns. AI and ML tools can also act autonomously, shutting down accounts and privileges for any behavior that poses a risk to the company.

How AI is Revolutionizing Cyberattacks

There’s also a downside to the technology. AI is helping cybercriminals to supercharge their attacks on company networks. The same way an organization can teach AI to detect patterns and alert security staff, it can modify attacks to avoid detection. Using AI, hackers can let their malware change its codebase to prevent a security system from recognizing its usual signature.

As hackers start deploying more sophisticated malware, cybersecurity professionals will have to keep adapting. AI has been effective in dealing with traditional threats, but as its use becomes common on both sides of the battlefield, it’ll be vital for organizations to protect themselves with this new technology.

How AI Protects Itself against Model Hacking

Another trend that plagues network security experts is the ability of AI-powered cyberattacks to hack their models. By deploying their AI attack, criminals can study the behavior of the network’s model and develop a unique response to penetrate their systems.

In some severe cases, the AI-powered attack could manipulate the system in subtle ways to create blind spots that hackers can exploit in the future. Building self-healing models and knowing how to identify the manipulative behavior in systems should be a priority for any network security analyst using AI to defend a network.

How Companies Should Respond to the Evolving Threat Landscape

The cat and mouse games will continue in the future. For organizations of every size, it will be vital to ensure they deploy the same protective tools that hackers will start using more frequently to compromise networks. Using Managed Network Services can help a company overcome the issues, as the service provider will always adopt the latest tools and technologies to keep systems safe and secure. AI and ML technologies will continue to advance, and they could pose a significant risk to business operations if the company doesn’t adequately protect itself.

With Managed Network Services from Edwards Business Systems, companies can improve their information security and reduce their operational IT costs. Edwards Business Systems will develop a solution that ensures the company can increase productivity, work more efficiently, and maintain their network security at all times. As the future will require a proactive approach to all facets of a network’s cybersecurity, partnering with technology experts is essential for running a sustainable business in the future.

Edwards Business Systems can help companies manage the coming battle between AI and cybersecurity. To find out more about our capabilities, speak to one of our network security experts today.